The Florida Republican Party formally endorsed Donald Trump for president, solidifying his dominance in the state and marking a significant shift after Gov. Ron DeSantis dropped out of the 2024 contest. The endorsement came after months of courting by Trump and his organized campaign apparatus, and it signals a commanding statement of support from the party. Despite some initial split allegiances, the party's backing of the former president has led to relief and excitement among Republicans, with Trump's connection to the state being described as "special."
Former Florida GOP leader Christian Ziegler will not be charged with sexual assault after an investigation found the encounter was likely consensual, but authorities plan to charge him with video voyeurism for recording the encounter without the woman's consent. Ziegler's attorney claims his client's reputation has suffered irreparable harm, while the case has been turned over to the state attorney's office for review. Ziegler's wife, Bridget, who is a Sarasota County School Board member, also faces calls to step down despite not being accused of criminal wrongdoing.
Former Florida GOP Chairman Christian Ziegler will not be charged with sexual battery, but prosecutors are considering video voyeurism allegations after an investigation into a sexual encounter. The Sarasota Police Department found insufficient evidence for sexual battery charges but forwarded a probable cause affidavit for video voyeurism, as Ziegler allegedly recorded the encounter without the woman's consent. The investigation led to Ziegler's removal as chair of the Florida Republican Party and also had repercussions for his wife, Bridget Ziegler, who resigned from her position amid backlash.
The Republican Party of Florida has removed Christian Ziegler as its chairman amid allegations of rape and video voyeurism, selecting Evan Power as the new chairman. Ziegler, who maintains his innocence, faced an expanded police investigation into whether he illegally filmed a sexual encounter. The allegations have drawn national attention as both Ziegler and his wife, Bridget, are prominent Florida Republicans, with Bridget facing criticism for her conservative policy focus.
Congressman Matt Gaetz has joined the growing chorus of calls for Christian Ziegler, the chair of the Florida Republican Party, to resign following accusations of rape and sexual assault. Ziegler has faced pressure from within his own party, including from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott. Gaetz, who previously refrained from commenting on the matter, stated that it was time for new leadership in the Republican Party and that Ziegler should step aside. The allegations against Ziegler involve a long-term consensual relationship with a woman, whom he is accused of raping when she refused to have sex without his wife present.
The Florida Republican Party has censured Chairman Christian Ziegler and reduced his salary to $1 following a rape allegation made against him. Despite calls for his resignation, Ziegler has refused to step down. The party has scheduled a meeting to vote on whether to remove him from office. Ziegler's accuser alleges that he assaulted her after canceling a planned meeting with his wife. Ziegler's wife, Bridget Ziegler, is a member of the Sarasota County School Board and has faced calls for her resignation as well. Governor Ron DeSantis and other party leaders have called for Ziegler to step down. The police investigation into the allegation is ongoing.
Congressman Matt Gaetz has joined the growing chorus of calls for Christian Ziegler, the chair of the Florida Republican Party, to resign following accusations of rape and sexual assault. Ziegler has faced pressure from within his own party, including from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott. Gaetz, who previously refrained from commenting on the matter, stated that it was time for new leadership and that Ziegler should step aside. The allegations against Ziegler involve a woman with whom he and his wife reportedly had a consensual relationship.
Turmoil within the Florida Republican Party continues as details emerge of a sexual assault allegation against the party chairman, Christian Ziegler. An affidavit filed in court recounts that a woman accused Ziegler of assaulting her in her apartment in October. While an active investigation is underway, no charges have been filed, and Ziegler denies any wrongdoing. Governor Ron DeSantis has called for Ziegler's resignation, and Ziegler himself claims to be the target of false allegations and vows to continue his political mission.
The chairman of Florida's Republican Party, Christian Ziegler, has refused to resign following a rape allegation made against him, stating that he is innocent. While no charges have been filed, an investigation by the Sarasota Police remains open. Ziegler's wife, Bridget Ziegler, co-founded the conservative group Moms for Liberty, which has been involved in campaigns with Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis has called for Ziegler's resignation to avoid distracting the party. The allegations have led to accusations of hypocrisy, as the Zieglers have been involved in pushing back against LGBTQ+ causes.
The chair of Florida's Republican Party, Christian Ziegler, has stated that he will not resign over a woman's rape allegation against him, maintaining his innocence. Ziegler and his wife, Bridget Ziegler, claim they are being targeted due to their political activism. While no charges have been filed, an investigation remains open. Governor Ron DeSantis has called for Ziegler's resignation, but Ziegler refuses to step down. The allegations have sparked accusations of hypocrisy, as Bridget Ziegler is involved in conservative groups opposing LGBTQ+ causes. The police investigation is ongoing, and the Zieglers have not provided further comment.
The head of the Florida Republican Party, Christian Ziegler, has been accused of rape by a woman who had been friends with him for 20 years. Governor Ron DeSantis has called for Ziegler's resignation, causing a stir in conservative politics and accusations of hypocrisy from Democrats and LBGTQ+ activists. Ziegler denies the allegations, claiming the sex was consensual. No criminal charges have been filed, but the investigation remains open. Ziegler's wife, Bridget Ziegler, who is a co-founder of Moms for Liberty, a conservative group, has also been implicated in a sexual relationship with the accuser. The case has sparked controversy and political tensions in Florida.
Christian Ziegler, the chairman of Florida's Republican party, is under investigation for sexual battery after an individual reported being "sexually battered" at home in Sarasota. The police report, heavily redacted, mentions a "sexual assault allegation" and "sexual assault complaint." Ziegler's attorney expressed confidence in his client's exoneration and emphasized his cooperation with the investigation. The allegations come as Florida Republicans prepare for next year's presidential election, with Governor Ron DeSantis struggling to gain traction against presumed nominee Donald Trump. Ziegler's wife, Bridget Ziegler, is a founder of Moms for Liberty, a parental rights organization known for its opposition to LGBTQ+ literature in schools and libraries. The Florida Democratic party chair criticized the Zieglers for their perceived hypocrisy.
Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie was booed by a pro-Trump crowd at the Florida Republican Party's Freedom Summit event. Despite the jeers, Christie criticized the crowd for their anger against the truth and urged them to focus on more important issues. He highlighted the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict as a topic that deserves attention. Christie later engaged in a confrontation with far-right activist Laura Loomer, who criticized him for his comments against Trump. Christie responded by stating that he will continue to tell the truth, regardless of opposition. Former President Trump headlined the event, and the GOP candidates will participate in the third primary debate in Miami.
